You would think that with the kids back in school my life has gotten a bit easier. In a way it has. My days are more peaceful, indeed. But as far as the mornings, “hectic” is an understatement. Between making breakfast, packing lunch-boxes, locating the homework folder and backpacks, it is a whirlwind. And then add to it the most stressful of all: trying to leave the house in time in order to avoid “tardies”, a trip to the principal’s office and getting my son in trouble. Been there, done that. Not fun. I’m sure many of you can relate. Not sure if anyone could think of as many outlandish excuses for being late as the boy in today’s book.

So why was he late?

First he had to go borrow some bread from the neighbors because giant ants had eaten his cereal. Then ninjas attacked him and the school bus got in hands of a massive ape. At some point he shrank and then got huge. He had a breakfast with someone who looked like Red Little Riding Hood. Bigfoot and Yeti got in the way, later, so did a chess game…. But these were not even the real reasons. He had forgotten the backpack!

Hilarious! Extremely fun and action-studded, both the story and Benjamin Chaud’s pictures. It helps to put your own coming-late-to-school in perspective.